When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Like Krystyna, I grew up in a creative household. My father, as I was growing up, was prone to burst into quiet rooms reciting the romantic poets or poetry of his own making. My mother made sculptures and 2-D artworks using throw-away crayon ends and soldering metals. Everyone played music. And the women in the family danced. Perhaps the artistic impulse was as much a part of my childhood as learning to read or ride a bicycle -- it was what was done.That said, even now, I hesitate to call myself an artist. Maybe because of the lofty associations. Now if everyone called themselves an artist and really approached the creativity of the moment in that frame of mind then I'd happily chime in and call myself "artist" as well!
What are your favorite materials
to work with?
to work with? Mud, naturally! I go for the cheap, plentiful things of life.
Describe a bit of your process...is everything planned or sketched out before hand? Do you work on impulse?
No. And no.
I like to listen to the quality of my day/mind/feeling and use that as a beginning to a conversation. The other end of the conversation being the clay itself.
That said, I would also have some concrete goal in mind, as for example, "Today I will throw the starting forms for a series of smallish Buddhas..."
Where is your favorite place to work?
In my studio, where clay and mess co-exist in perfect harmony.
What inspires you?
What doesn't?
Whart artist, past or present, has inspired your atwork?
Again, as per the above, I have been inspired by the check-out lady at the Japanese grocery store, Kathy Kollowitz, the line of old men posing in front of the camera, Nikos Kazanzakis, the dog's ears perked up....the list would be endless.
Where do you see your work going in the next 10 years?
Who knows? I can only hope that my health and strength permits ...
How are you taking your work/techniques to the next level?
Ha! For me, I'm happy to call the "next level" the "next moment" and hope for the best!
Have you ever taught any art classes?
I've taught clay and poetry.
What item are you most proud of on your Artist Resume?
The one I haven't made yet.
What is the role of the Artist in our society?
hat is the role of the Artist in our society?To be brave and honest and open.
Where do you sell your work?
On etsy.com and in my studio.
See more of Anita's work at
Artists inherently WANT to create...but sometimes wanting to create isn't enough - you need to be inspired! How are you inspired? Do you look at other artists? Do you look to nature? Are you surprised to find inspiration in unusual places? Let us know!
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